History
The San Gabriel Mission Playhouse was constructed in 1927 for John Steven McGroarty's 'Mission Play,' which told the story of Father Serra and the founding of the California Missions. More than 2.5 million people saw the 'Mission Play' during its 20 year run. After the play closed, the Mission Playhouse was used as a movie theater. During World War II, the Playhouse dressing rooms were turned into apartments. In 1947, the City of San Gabriel purchased, reopened, and renamed the theater as the San Gabriel Civic Auditorium. 6o years later in 2007, the theater was renamed and once again called the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse. The Playhouse was honored to be added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019.
Specialties
Located in the heart of the Mission District, the historic San Gabriel Mission Playhouse hosts a variety of events from classic film screenings to some of the best local music, dance, and theater productions since opening in 1927.